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A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.